Ximines chases Cup after injury

Jamaica College's (JC) Tarick Ximines is relishing the opportunity to complete his schoolboy football chapter with a Manning Cup title, after a difficult spell with injury.

Brought back to the fold by coach Davion Ferguson, Ximines rose to the occasion in their 2-1 ISSA/Digicel Manning Cup semifinals win over Mona High on Tuesday, with Ximines getting on the score sheet with his first goal in the 'Dark Blues' colours this season.

Ximines stated that an injury kept him out of action and he has been focusing on getting himself back to full strength, a matter that he chose to keep private while he recovers and a move that Ferguson admitted he kept close to the vest after registering Ximines in August.

"I had an injury so I decided to stay out and get better. That was the major thing that happened," Ximines told STAR Sports. "I'm not an internet person, so sometimes for me, it's good to stay off social media for a bit."

Ximines played for Mount Pleasant for the latter part of last Jamaica Premier League (JPL) season but has not been picked up by a club for the current campaign. Ximines says that returning in this capacity at JC has helped him get back on track regarding his football future.

"It's good to be back because I have been out for a couple of months. I wasn't playing any football. I think it's good for me to come back and build back again," Ximines said.

Now back into the fold, Ximines is ready to get back to the competition's final, with the opportunity to tend to unfinished business. He was part of the team that lost the final to Kingston College (KC) earlier this year on penalties.

Against Mona in the semifinals, he said winning was not just about making the final but sending a message.

"We had to make a statement because we are the better team, no doubt," Ximines said. "I've been here from first form. Coming through the ranks and to lift a title when I'm a special player for the team, it would be great."

JC will face St Andrew Technical High School (STATHS) in the Manning Cup final on Friday.